With last week's ice storm knocking down so many branches and trees, Chelmsford's Office of Recycling and Waste has organized an Emergency Brush Drop-Off for Chelmsford residents. The drop-off will be:

Date: Saturday December 20, 2008

Time: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m

Who: Chelmsford residents – bring proof of Chelmsford residency

Where: Community Tree at 163 Billerica Road

What to Bring:
Brush and branches. They may be no larger than inches in diameter and no longer than 8 feet in length. All string, bags, and other foreign material must be removed by the resident may not be left at Community Tree.

This is a free event for Chelmsford residents. For more information, call the Office of Recycling and Solid Waste at 978-250-5203.

Be Notified of Emergencies with the Chelmsford Police Department's CodeRED Emergency Notification System. The system will notify Town residents during emergencies (like power outages from ice storms) with information on the emergency and what steps residents can take. Sign up today!

Are you ready for an emergency? Many local governments and other agencies are encouraging residents to include a "go-kit" in their emergency planning. These kits include supplies that would be of use in case you needed to evacuate your home quickly, such as a radio, batteries, food, etc.

The Chelmsford Board of Health and the Upper Merrimack Valley Medical Reserve Corps are working to help local residents have go-kits ready and waiting. The groups have purchased supplies in bulk, to make it easier for local residents to prepare their own 72-Hour Emergency Kits. Not only can residents taken advantage of the discounted pricing, but materials have been selected and collected in one place, ready for pick-up.

The kits are available for $50, and the cost covers a backpack, emergency disaster guide, crank flashlight and radio, tarp, tent, and numerous first-aid and emergency supplies.

Register by calling the Chelmsford Board of Health at 978 978-250-5241. To pre-pay for your kit, send a check for $50 made out to Town of Chelmsford and drop it off or mail it to the following address: